Thaddeus and Ruby Allen

ALLEN, NEWKIRK, MUCKEY LEWIS

Posted By: Connie Swearingen- Volunteer (email)
Date: 4/21/2015 at 20:24:59

Monona County History
1982

Thaddeus and Ruby Allen, p 86

Thaddeus Allen was born Aug. 12, 1926, near Mapleton. He went to school at Pleasant Hill School for about 5 years. There were 8 grades in 1 room with 1 teacher. He recalls Lillian Wilson, Grace Habink, Hazel counts and Ula Brewer as teachers. About 14 children were in the school each year.

Thad’s parents were William (Shorty) Allen born in Boone County, Iowa May 30, 1874 and Bertha Mae Lewis Newkirk Allen, daughter of Simon Lewis and Bridgett Muckey Lewis of Mapleton. She was born March 20, 1876 and passed away Oct. 2, 1965. She was married to Thomas Newkirk Jan. 14, 1901 and they had 6 children – Lewis, Gladys, Charles, Muriel, Pearl and John Thomas. Thomas died with pneumonia in 1919. Bertha married William Allen April 11, 1921 and had 6 children – James, Jerald, Hazel, Thaddeus, Amy and George William. William was killed in Onawa by a train, Dec. 1, 1944. Bertha worked at the Arlington Hotel in Mapleton while William worked as a Woodsman.

The Allens lived in ‘Pickle City’ awhile working at Marley timber and Thad had some schooling there. After moving to Onawa, Thad finished 8th grade. He worked at Carson Trading Post and United States Engineering Dept. before going to the Army in Aug. 1945. He was discharged in Feb. 1947. When he returned he rejoined Dept. of Engineers until April 1947 when he started working for the Chicago & Northwestern Railroad, where he is still employed.

Thad married Ruby Burgess Apr. 15, 1950 at Onawa. They lived there awhile, where their son Gordon Eugene was born July 3, 1951. In the flood of 1952, Ruby and Gordon stayed with friends at Mapleton. They moved to Sloan in 1952 and returned to Onawa in 1953. Thad was being transferred often so they came home and he drove to work. He secured a second job at the East Side Service Station evenings, and week-ends. He was severely burned July 1, 1954. Thad returned to work in March of 1955 at Turin where they lived in the section house. Gail Lynne was born there May 25, 1955. In 1956 they moved to Whiting where Gordon had kindergarten. In Jan. 1958 they moved to Alton, IA, then back to Onawa in March. They transferred to Battle Creek where Gordon had his second year of schooling. In May of 1959 they moved to Lake View and in March of 1963 made their home in Dunlap. Both children graduated from Dunlap High. Gordon in 1969 and joined the Navy – discharged in 1970, Gail in 1973 and she joined the Army in 1980.

Gordon married Verona Heath Dec. 17, 1971 at Onawa. They have two sons, Gary Theodore and Gordon Eugen, Jr.

In May 1975 Gail married Byron Morrison at the Fred Yanak home near Onawa. They have two children Franklin Byron and Chrystal Dawn.

Thad and Ruby enjoy bowling and fishing. Ruby is interested in family history.